Harlan,
Edgar Rubey. A Narrative History of the People of Iowa.
Vol III. Chicago: American Historical Society, 1931

p. 303

THE HOLY NAME CATHOLIC CHURCH OF MARCUS. The first
members of the Catholic faith to settle at Marcus, Cherokee County, in 1872,
were of Irish and German descent, and for five years were obliged to worship
individually or in one or another private residence sufficiently large to
accommodate a gathering. In 1877 the comparatively few Catholics at this
settlement built the first church structure of that denomination, a small frame
building, very modestly furnished. Father Meis, of Le Mars, was the first priest
to say mass in this humble place of worship, which later, from 1878 until 1883,
was attended as a mission from Storm Lake by Fathers Gaffney and Slattery.
In 1882 the second church structure was built, and this
building still stands, being located two blocks north of the present brick
church, erected in 1915. The rectory, which still stands but not now owned or
used by the church, was built while Father Gilchrist was pastor in 1885, and in
1890 the first convent school was built, on the site of the present rectory, by
Father Hennessy, who was pastor at that time, although the school was opened by
Father John O'Reilly, who succeeded Father Hennessy. This school building was
sold in 1914 and moved to the business district and is now used as the Marcus
Hotel. The present fine new school building was then built.. Father O'Reilly
secured the Sisters, B.V.M., to conduct the school, which was named Loretto
Convent. At that time the congregation was scarcely prepared for this innovation
and the Sisters suffered with patience and humility during that winter because
of poor accommodations and inadequate heating. By their forebearance the Sisters
won the love and respect of the parish and the names of Mother Superior
Alexandra and Sisters Ingratia (music), Lomne and Louanna will long be
remembered with affection. In 1915 the new church and new school were built by
Father Edward O'Reilly, the work being all planned and completed within the
space of two years. The church has a membership of 150 families, while Holy Name
School has 175 pupils, with nine Sisters in charge. The names of the priests who
have served this parish regularly are: Father Gilchrist, 1884-1886; Father
Michael Hennessy, 1888-1891; Father John O'Reilly, 1891-1903; Father John
Phelan, 1903-1906; Father Edward O'Reilly, 1906-1919; and Father George Cooke,
1920 to the present.
Father Edward O'Reilly was appointed pastor of Holy
Name Church of Marcus in 1906 and here accomplished a work that established the
church firmly and made him one of the most beloved citizens of the community.
The church, parochial school house, costing $100,000, were dedicated in
September, 1916, and at the time of Father O'Reilly's death the property was
entirely free from indebtedness.
Father O'Reilly was born at Ballemacaugh, County Cavan,
Ireland, in 1870, a member of a well-to-do and prominent Irish family, and after
attending a seminary entered, in 1889, All Hallows College, Dublin. He was
ordained to the priesthood June 24, 1894, and in September of that year came to
the United States and was appointed assistant to Monsignor Ryan, pastor of Saint
Patrick's Church, Dubuque, Iowa, later being assistant to Archbishop Hennessy.
He was appointed pastor at West Bend, Iowa, where his parishioners were all
German people, which necessitated Father O'Reilly's learning the German
language. This he did and was able to speak German fluently. Later he was
assigned to Sibley, Iowa, where he served eight years, during which he built a
new parish house and improved the church. His work at Marcus has already been
touched upon, and when he died, October, 17, 1919, the entire community was
plunged into mourning, his funeral, the largest ever held at Marcus, being
attended by more than 1,000 persons, including Catholic priests from all over
the state.
Father George Cooke, the present pastor, was born in
Ireland, May 30, 1870. He received his early education at Dublin, where he was
prepared for the priesthood at All Hallows College, and on coming to the United
States was assistant priest at Sioux City, Iowa. Subsequently he was in charge
at Larchmond, Iowa, for twelve years, and at Anthon for ten years, and in July,
1920, was assigned to his present charge. He has carried on the good work
started by his predecessor, and is a man who has the universal confidence,
esteem and friendship of the people of his community.